Come See...What Art-Is-In {Artisan} Chat and Giveaway!

Welcome to the second installment of Come see...What Art-Is-In {Artisan} Chat and Giveaway! I discovered Diane from Pixiebell Elfinwear when I was lucky enough to win the April Flowers contest on byhand.me. When I opened the box of goodies, I put on that hat and wore it all night! And secretly...just a little bit of me looks forward the upcoming cool days so I can don it again!


So, without further adieu, on with the chat!



Where can we find your work?
You my find my work on etsy, artfire, 1000markets and in some select boutiques around the US.

{cloche hats on display in Bento Honesdale, Pennsylvania}

What inspired the name Pixiebell?
Several years ago I belonged to a chatroom and had wanted to use the name Pixie, but it was already taken. Elfin, Gnome, Faerie...all taken. Tinkerbell and even Stinkerbell were taken, so I tried on last ditch effort with pixiebell and got it. There really is no story behind the name, I just have always liked mythical type creatures. it is just sheer coincidence that I would, years later, come to knit pixie and elfin style hoods.



What type of environment do you create in?
I'd love to tell you about some vast and glorious studio that I create in, but I really do most of my work in my living room, on the couch with my family, watching movies. I even considered naming my hats in the same style that "Friends" episodes are named. "The Beret I Knit While Watching 'Practical Magic' " or "I Did My Best Not To Cry On This Hood While Watching 'The Notebook'." Some day there will be a studio, but I imagine I will still be sitting on the couch, watching movies.



What inspires you?

I grew up in Vermont, knitwear was essential! I remember discovering my mother's collection of scarves and hats on an upper shelf in a closet one year. I borrowed a long dark blue plaid scarf and a hat in the colours of cole slaw that winter. Keep in mind, I was 11 or something and proper colour combinations were an afterthought. It was nice having something different than what all the other kids were wearing. I felt special.


I grew up and we moved away, but I never lost that want for something cozy. I find my inspiration in the fantasy of still being a kid getting ready to go race down a hill on a toboggan. I still hope to look up in a closet and find big woolen hats, just a little oversized.

{photo credit: Cassidy Jean}

I live in Florida now and although we very rarely require warm knitted hats, I believe I have come to fulfill the comfort I seek, in making these hats. Perhaps I even live vicariously thru them. Parts of me are scattered all over the world, seeing the sights, squealing with delight over the first fallen snow of the season, breathing the crisp mountain air again. It's the next best thing to actually being there.




Do you use social networking? How has it worked for you?
I love to Tweet! I have found Twitter to be an amazing way to connect with other artisans and people of similar interests. I love being able to share funny little moments without much effort. I love reading and interacting with my friends and followers and getting instant reactions to new ideas and shop listings. I am http://twitter.com/elfinwear if you would like to follow along.

{photo credit: Cassidy Jean}

What do you look forward to?

I look forward to the hustle of the fall and winter seasons. I love that feeling that productivity brings. I look forward to being the hand behind creations that will turn into gifts at the holidays.


Thanks so much for joining us and sharing your thoughts Diane!


And now, on to the giveaway! As a special treat Diane is offering this adorable fuzzy blue beret! You can enter to win by visiting Diane at her Etsy, Artfire or 1000Markets Pixiebell shop and leave a comment here with a link to your favorite item. Want to enter again? Follow Diane or me on Twitter. One more time? Tell us about your favorite hat or scarf and why it was special to you. Make sure to leave your email or add it to your profile so I can contact you if you win! Giveaway will end on Friday, September 25th at 9:00 pm (EST) and the randomly chosen winner will be announced on the evening of Sunday, September 27.

Good Luck and Thanks for Joining us!